Mother's Day custom and DIY gift ideas

Mother’s day is less than a week away! While I was brainstorming ideas for my own mom, I came up with a few others that might inspire you in your own gift-giving/making.

The Card

I usually just buy a card from the store last-minute, or take the time to make one by hand. This year I wanted to do something a little more personal and include pictures of my mom and I because we haven’t had any printed recently. I heard about a company called Treat Greetings (http://www.treat.com/) and decided to give them a try. They had a huge selection to choose from just for Mother's day. It should arrive here just in time for the occasion too! Here’s what it’s going to look like:

Front and inside of card

I added more pictures and a special note from me, but I’ll keep that a secret so I don’t give everything away! I think it really speaks to what the relationship between my mom and I is like. I can't wait for her to get it! I liked a lot of the other cards Treat had to offer, so I’ll probably be ordering from them again! My favorite part is that it's so customizable and you can change a lot of the greetings to suit your needs. You can also make personalized mugs, stationary, iphone cases, and other gifts. I thought that was pretty neat!


The Gift

Idea 1: Memory box for mom/step-mom/grandma

My original thought was to use an old shoebox, or get one of the brown cardboard ones from a craft store. Instead, as I was shopping the aisles I found this wooden box and thought it would be more appropriate for my mom.

But if you have little ones, the shoebox/ brown box idea is a great way to make a memory box for mom to store all her favorite handmade presents from the little ones! Just gather up some paint, markers, scrapbook paper, pens, stickers, and glue and you’re all set!

In my case, I decided to paint her memory box so that she will always have May flowers and a place to store her favorite cards/gifts from me!

Obviously, I'm not the most experienced painter ever, lol.


Idea 2: “You are my sunshine” painting

This was an idea I found on pinterest a while ago, and originally posted about here. My ex’s daughter and I made it for him, but it would also make a great gift for a mom, step-mom, or a grandma!

All you need is a blank canvas from the craft store, some paint, and a pair of little hands (or more if you’ve got em!). I’d suggest getting a bigger canvas than I did, that way it will have more space for the hand prints. (Don't forget your 40/50% off coupon!) Paint the canvas a base color like I painted mine blue. Allow time for that coat to dry and apply one or two more coats of paint as needed. Once dry, draw a circle near the bottom of the canvas using a plate, bowl, or other round template. Then paint the little one’s hands and press them onto the canvas around the circle. Hold for a second or two, remove, and then apply more paint. After the hands are done, paint in the circle and paint “you are my sunshine” and you’re done! It’s a great craft project that the kids will be proud of and the recipient will love!


Idea 3: Manicure/pedicure at home kit DIY

As I was in the process of thinking up gifts, I decided that the basic “card/chocolate/flowers” gift probably isn’t for all moms. I asked my friends who are young moms what kinds of gifts they would prefer, and a lot of them said they’d like some time off or to have some time to pamper themselves. So dads (and various other family and friends) take note! The splurge option will be to get them a gift certificate for a spa day or for a mani/pedi. Both will give that special lady some time off and some well-deserved pampering!

Or if you’re the crafty DIY friend like I am you could make them an at home mani/pedi kit!

Things to include:

• Emery board or nail file. (If you can find the glass nail files they are the best!)
• Cuticle cream/gel
• Nail polish (If you're not sure what color to get, a nice top coat is always a good alternative)
• Small tube of lotion
• Toe seperators
• Pumice Stone
• Nail care sticks/cuticle pushers
• Nail clippers
• Nail buffer

After you’ve gathered your supplies, put it all in a pretty gift bag (I got mine from the Daiso, the Japanese dollar store) and add a ribbon or a pretty hair clip!

I know, shameless self-promotion! But the flowers that I sell in my Etsy really do make excellent gifts as well! By now you should already know how I feel about it: anything handmade is always awesome!


The Treat

I’ve chosen to fill up mom’s box with chocolate (specifically See’s candies), but you should get that lovely lady in your life whatever kind of sweet (or savory) treat that she likes!

Remember that the reason behind having Mother’s day is to let moms, step-moms, grandmas, great grandmas, etc. know that you appreciate them and that they’re special to you! So whatever you decide to get them this mother’s day, make sure it comes wrapped in love.